- Instagram has extended the video length of Reels to 30 seconds.
- The countdown timer limit has been extended to 10 seconds while recording.
- Instagram will let users trim or delete any clips during editing.
Instagram has confirmed new updates for its TikTok-like short video feature, Reels. The App has doubled the video recording time for users to 30 seconds. Earlier, it was 15 seconds. Users can also extend the timer to 10 seconds while recording. The timer gives users buffer time before they start recording a Reel. Moreover, Instagram will let users trim and delete any clip while editing in the app. Users will have more granular control over the clips they record.
“We continue to improve Reels based on people’s feedback, and these updates make it easier to create and edit. While it’s still early, we’re seeing a lot of entertaining, creative content,” said Instagram Reels Director, Tessa Lyons-Laing. While the Head of Instagram, Adam Moserri tweeted,
Reels updates!
🤳 Create a reel up to 30 seconds
⏱ Extend the timer to 10 seconds when recording
🎬 Trim and delete any clip pic.twitter.com/SVdQnmKYdm— Adam Mosseri 😷 (@mosseri) September 23, 2020
According to the mobile app data analytics firm Sensor Tower, Reels did not gain enough traction, at least in the US since the time it was launched in August. The number of installs by US users of Instagram from August 5 to September 15 was 4.7 million, the same number as from June 24 to August 4, according to Sensor Tower. Meanwhile, Instagram is testing its presence on the home page along with Shop tabs to increase visibility for its users. Currently, users have to go to the Explore section to view Reels created by users.
“These changes reflect shifts we’re seeing from people, both in how they use the product but also how they push culture forward on Instagram: the rise of creators, the explosion of video, acceleration of online shopping,” Mosseri had written.
Instagram launched Reels in India in July shortly after the video-making app TikTok was banned for security reasons. Instagram has released Reels in more than 50 countries including the US, Australia, Canada, and Japan. Once created, Reels can be shared with the feed, Stories, and Direct, while public Reels also appear in a dedicated part of the Explore tab. In some countries, Reels has replaced the Explore tab altogether.
